Editor’s Notebook: January 6, 2017

Editor’s Notebook: January 6, 2017

A Glimpse at the Future: Technology and Imaging Companies Partnering

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January 6, 2016: The first thing that happened to me when I picked up my CES badge at the airport in Las Vegas was they handed me a “10+ Years” ribbon to attach to my badge. Not sure if that was good news or bad, but it certainly gives me perspective. (It also ended up at bottom of my backpack.)

My initial impression of the first day of CES is that technology is alive and well. And the imaging industry is doing its best to stay relevant. I was particularly impressed with Canon’s approach this year.

Their Visionaries Welcome theme put their camera products in the background, as they are focusing on future applications with partners that use Canon technologies. For example, I was invited into a scanning booth, similar to an airport scanner. In just two seconds, I was photographed and promised a 3D printed model of myself in the mail!

Now that’s imaging, and I’ll be happy to print the final product here when I see it. Canon’s booth also featured a beautiful display of the Imaging Alliance’s Portraits of Love portfolio—a personal favorite of this editor.
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The Imaging Landscape

The imaging industry has to look toward the future, and I’m seeing more and more that smaller tech companies are out there trying to seize the new landscape. 3D, 360º cameras, such as the Vuze, and drones flying around, from companies like Yuneec, seem to be either the future of imaging or just the newest toys.

GoPro is still the strongest brand in action cams, but the little guys are nipping at their heels. Nikon’s KeyMission display demonstrates a very different and intriguing approach for a classic camera company.

Sony continues to produce the highest quality mirrorless cameras. It also seems to be the only manufacturer who chose to show them off on the show floor. They’re pulling away in the market, and their competitors should be here defending their turf. Maybe this just isn’t an imaging show anymore.

CES is its usual confusing self: a “hodgepodge” of companies, large and small, trying to break through. What I see as the opportunity is not a one-off start-up but a partnership between technology and imaging companies—along the lines of Canon’s approach. We’re always looking for the next big thing. And working together might be the fastest way to get there.

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